Loon Lake Chalet
Closed — Closed for reconstruction. The chalet will reopen after rebuilding is completed.
Barrett Lake 4 X 4 Trail Motor Vehicle Prohibition
Barrett Lake Jeep trail closed to motor vehicle use in the winter.
Trash service ending for the winter in Crystal Basin on Oct. 20, 2025
Trash service within the Crystal Basin area is ending on Oct. 20, 2025, for the winter season. Please pack-out all trash with you when visiting.
Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping and Occupancy Restrictions for Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail that runs through the Eldorado National Forest boundary.
Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead are Closed for Reconstruction
The Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed this season for reconstruction. The boatramp is open for day use only though Labor Day weekend and then it will close for construction. The water system will not be operational during this time.
Deer Valley Trail (19E01) & Meadow Lake Road (09N01)
Motor vehicle use restricted in these areas during snowmelt. See Forest Order Exhibit A for area map.
Horse Canyon Trail (17E21) Closure
This order prohibits use of a motorcycle or motor-driven bicycle on this trail.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions - Desolation Wilderness Area
Prohibited acts within Desolation Wilderness.
Travel Management Designation
Routes designated in Travel Management Subpart B are included as part of the current road system.
About
Loon Lake Chalet sits next to Loon Lake in the Eldorado National Forest at 6,378 feet elevation, surrounded by sub-alpine red fir and lodgepole forests with spectacular views of the Crystal Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Built by Sacramento Municipal Utility District in 1989, the three-story chalet was originally a day-use winter facility but was expanded due to public demand for overnight accommodations. The second floor warming room and third floor loft accommodate up to 20 guests, with sleeping pads and a queen-size futon provided. The chalet offers basic amenities including 24-hour electric heat, a gas fireplace for ambiance, a kitchen area with range top stove, microwave, under-counter refrigerator, double sink with hot and cold water from a tested well, and a small dryer. Guests must bring their own pots, utensils, and all supplies. Vault toilets are attached to the building and accessed from outside. The circular parking area accommodates RVs and trailers. In summer, the area offers hiking, backpacking into Desolation Wilderness, fishing for rainbow and brown trout, mountain biking, horseback riding, and the famous 22-mile Rubicon 4WD Trail. Winter transforms the area into backcountry skiing terrain with miles of non-groomed trails. Snow depth averages 3 to 8 feet, and snowfall can occur from September through May. Motorized over-snow travel is prohibited in the Loon Lake Winter Recreation Area.
Directions
From Placerville, travel east on Highway 50 for 21 miles to Ice House Road (8.5 miles east of Pollock Pines). Turn left and go north on Ice House Road for 30 miles to Loon Lake. Pass the Loon Lake Campground turnoff, then continue 3/4 mile to the chalet on the western edge of the lake.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 644-2324 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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